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Over the past decade, Georgia has become one of the most progressive states in the U.S. when it comes to higher education. In 2016, more than 30 four-year colleges and universities provided students with online learning options at the certificate, undergraduate, and graduate levels. The University System of Georgia’s OnMyLine database helps students find these opportunities by connecting hundreds of accredited online programs and courses across the state. The GeorgiaView system houses course materials and serves as the central location for online class participation. This statewide commitment to flexible learning, combined with continued school-specific efforts, make Georgia a top location for online college success.

Finding the right educational path in Georgia requires understanding your college needs — whether ultimately flexibility, affordability, quantity of programs, or all of the above. Before identifying the best campus and online colleges in Georgia, and examining the intricacies of school selection, let’s see how the state compares to others in higher education overall.

Higher Education in Georgia

Georgia has one of the most progressive and diverse college landscapes in the U.S. According to the
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, the state has 50 public institutions of higher learning, 28 of which belong to the University System of Georgia (USG). The USG includes research universities with a strong focus on doctoral degrees, comprehensive universities with a master’s concentration, state universities with a heavy bachelor’s contingent, and state colleges that offer a wide range of associate degrees. More than 320,000 students attended USG colleges in 2016, with ~38% attending research universities.

320KStudents attended USG Colleges in 2016.

38%Attend research universities

65%Jobs require atleast a Bachelor’s degree

51%Workers met the standard

This diversity of educational options helps make Georgia’s stated objective more achievable – to close the gap between statewide educational attainment and educational job requirements. The GBPI reports that 65% of jobs in Georgia required at least a bachelor’s degree in 2015, and just 51% of workers met the standard. Much of the shortage boils to down to a pair of difficult yet solvable challenges: access to higher education and the ability to pay for it.

The recession that started in 2007 hit Georgia especially hard.

Students and families had a much more difficult time paying for college, which led to a pair of significant changes in the Georgia higher education landscape. First, the number of students qualifying for Pell Grants in the state rose sharply from 27% in 2006 to nearly 50% in 2011. The number stands at 43% as of 2015 (the more recent data available). Second, enrollment in technical colleges increased to 133,455 students in 2016, making 2-year technical education the most popular higher learning option in the state today. Fifty-two percent of technical colleges students received Pell Grants that year.

Online Higher Education in Georgia

Online degree programs in Georgia represent another way the state and its schools aim to bridge the gap between educational attainment and educational job requirements.

According to the University System of Georgia’s OnMyLine system, students have 402 unique online degree programs available for enrollment during the 2017-18 school year.

Accredited online colleges in GA – and their related programs – make it easier to work toward a degree regardless of finances or location. For example, the GeorgiaView system, The Georgia WebMBA, and the WebBSIT allow students to log in, interact with professors, discuss materials with peer, and more. This flexibility makes higher education a possibility for those who may live in a more rural area of Georgia, or those who have multiple work and/or family commitments. The access expands even further with Georgia’s participation in the Academic Common Market, where students pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities in fifteen other states.

Colleges receive a total score based on performance in the following categories:

Average in-state net price for first-time/full-time undergraduates

Count and breadth of online programs available

Student-teacher ratio

6-year graduation rate (4-year schools only)

% of beginning, full-time undergrads receiving scholarship/grant aid from the college

Average $ of financial aid students receive directly from the college

Availability of academic/career counseling services

Availability of job placement services for students and graduates

3-year loan default rate

AC Online Peer-Based Value (PBV)*

*PBV is a proprietary metric that compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or a similar) qualitative score. It also compares the qualitative score of the program to the score of other programs with the same (or similar) cost. In short, the PBV calculation denotes the overall value – or ‘bang for your buck’ – of an online degree.

Data Sources

Our college rankings are backed by data collected and analyzed from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a program managed by the National Center for Education Statistics. Surveying over 7,500 colleges annually, it is among the most longstanding and trusted providers of U.S. postsecondary information.

Most recent “Final Release” data available as of October 2017

The growth of online college programs in Georgia demonstrates the state’s overall commitment to higher education excellence. The USG’s 402 online programs, combined with hundreds of programs across the remaining institutions, give students a wide range of options. But which colleges stand out? Which colleges offer the most affordable online programs year in and year out?

Let’s take a look at our list of the Best Online Colleges in Georgia for the 2017-2018 school year:

Brenau University, located in Gainesville,Georgia,is a liberal arts-focused school that offers a variety of online degree programs. The online program at Brenau began in 1998,so the school has over two decades of experience educating students in an online and distance setting,making it one of the oldest online colleges in Georgia. While there are some undergraduate programs offered online,Brenau has a large selection of online graduate degree programs,including master's degree programs in fine arts,education and business administration. Students who prefer to study on campus would likely enter the women's college,the college of fine arts and humanities or the school's quickly growing nursing program. However,there are plenty of other programs offered for students who are interested in areas of study beyond liberal arts and nursing.

The Christian history of Toccoa Falls College plays a large role in how students are educated. The school draws heavily upon the ideals of the Christian community,helping students improve their education and character. The online programs at Toccoa Falls are designed with the same ideas and practices in mind but offer the flexibility of a non-traditional education. These degrees are perfect for students who are working and want to gain new skills to further their career. Each course can be taken at the student's leisure,and local students who are working full-time receive additional benefits in terms of financial aid. Because of the quality of their bachelor's and associate degrees,Toccoa Falls is considered one of the best online schools in Georgia.

Shorter University was founded with Christian values in mind,using these values to craft a liberal arts education that emphasizes educating the whole person. While studying at Shorter,students will be able to strengthen their Christian faith while also pursuing a four-year degree. For those that don't want to travel to a campus,Shorter University offers plenty of online courses and degree programs that can be completed entirely online. These degrees are designed for people who are busy,making it easier to earn a degree while working or raising a family. Shorter University is one of the only online schools in Georgia that offers associate,undergraduate and graduate degrees in the same field,so students who want to earn a degree or further their education can get complete all their schooling at the same institution.

The education at Thomas University takes the global scale of the modern world into account. It has always been a popular destination for international students,largely because of the programs offered. Some of these programs are also offered through their online school, a smaller division of Thomas University that gives students more flexibility with their studies. While they've already gained a reputation for being one of the top online schools in Georgia,Thomas University has continued to expand beyond the traditional school setting by growing into an international institution. Students who are interested in studying online or studying abroad might want to learn more about Thomas University and how it can help them succeed.

Truett-McConnel College has grown in accordance with its core values which include a focus on personal transformation,family and Christian values. These core values can be found in each of their degree programs as students will be challenged not only to learn but to also improve themselves as individuals. One of the top online schools in Georgia,the online undergraduate degrees offered match the quality of those that students would earn if they studied on campus. They also offer an online graduate program in theology,meant for students who want to learn more about the religious values that built Truett-McConnel.

Luther Rice College & Seminary separates itself from other institutions because it's one of the only online schools in Georgia that offers the same degrees as on-campus traditional studies. With over a decade of experience providing online programs, Luther Rice has proven time and again that their online degrees match the quality of their on-campus degrees. The best part is that any degree offered by Luther Rice is accredited and available entirely online. Luther Rice is also recognized as one of the more affordable college options.

One of the core values at Point University is leadership,fostered through their on-campus and distance learning degrees. An additional emphasis is placed on Christian values. Point also has one of the most educationally diverse online programs in Georgia with over 30 associate,bachelor's and master's degree programs offered. Some of the popular online degree options at Point are accounting,criminal justice,psychology and human relations. There are also hybrid programs available to students who prefer to study both online an on-campus.

Georgia Southwestern State University contains a student body mostly made up of Georgia natives,although many of them opt to earn their degree through the distance learning program. Georgia Southwestern offers numerous online degrees,and they are considered one of the top online schools in Georgia for nursing. Students who do choose to study through the distance learning program can either study toward a specific degree or take individual online classes. This is meant to give students the flexibility to study at their own pace on their own schedule. Because it is a four-year institution,most of the degrees offered are bachelor's degrees. However,there are graduate degree options,as well as post-graduate professional training.

The oldest institution of higher learning in the state,the University of Georgia has been teaching generations of students how to succeed in life while by fostering education of the whole person. Students can study toward a bachelor's,master's,doctoral or associate degree at the University of Georgia,and if they prefer,they can take single classes. One of the best ways to earn a degree at UGA is through their online program. Not only do these programs offer more flexibility to students,but they can also come in single course form,letting students bolster their education however they need or see fit. The University of Georgia is home to one of the largest online schools in Georgia with more degree programs being offered than many other schools in the state.

Columbus State University has structured their degree programs to fit students during all stages of their education. There are nearly as many graduate degree programs as there are undergraduate degree programs offered,giving students the chance to complete multiple levels of study at one institution. While many students choose to study on campus,there are plenty of off campus opportunities available,such as internships or other real-world experiences. A comprehensive online degree program is also offered. Columbus State offers more online degrees in Georgia than most other local schools,particularly when it comes to graduate programs. There are dozens of graduate programs available either entirely online,on campus or via a hybrid of the two.

Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the top schools for research in the state,with many students attending the school to study sciences,engineering and computing. These degree programs are designed to give students the research skills and real-world experience they need to immediately succeed in their profession. However,many students do choose to continue their education to further their career. One popular way to do that is through the online school in Georgia Tech. There are multiple graduate degree programs offered through online school,letting students learn while they continue their career. There are also plenty of online courses available so students can study specific courses at their own pace from anywhere in the world.

One of the goals of Albany State University is to offer a high-quality college education while also using a creative,innovative approach. This makes the education at Albany State unique from other state colleges in Georgia. Another thing that sets the school apart is that it's one of the largest online colleges in Georgia's state system. There are dozens of online degree programs offered entirely online at all levels. There are also certificates available to students who want to bolster their four-year or graduate education. Also included in their distance learning are opportunities to live and study in cities other than Thomasville,all while earning a degree and preparing for a future career.

A core value at Fort Valley State University is the idea that people from all backgrounds and walks of life can achieve success and accomplish something great. By attempting to be more accessible for all people,FVSU has also tried to be more affordable,and they are considered one of the more affordable institutions in Georgia. The same ideas are applied to their online degree programs. While they currently only offer five degrees,one of which is a graduate degree,their commitment to accessibility makes them one of the more affordable online schools in Georgia. Students who earn an education at FVSU find success not only in their field,but also in empowering the local community.

Georgia Southern University is one of the most recognized colleges in Georgia,and their online degree program is no exception. While earning an education at Georgia Southern,students will receive instruction from experts in their respective fields while also gaining real-world experience. Georgia Southern is also home to one of the largest online schools in Georgia for graduate degrees. Dozens of graduate degrees are offered entirely online,many of which are in the field of education. Anyone who is interested in becoming a teacher in the state of Georgia can benefit from a graduate degree,and the flexibility of online learning allows them to study at their own pace. The program is also friendly to active military members who are deployed but still want to further their education.

Leadership is engrained in the culture at the University of North Georgia. UNG is a designated State Leadership Institution as well as the Military College of Georgia. For students that are unable to study in person or find it easier on their schedule to study online,UNG also offers a distance education program. Any degree earned online is still accredited and recognized with the same quality as any traditional UNG degree and comes with the same flexibility as any online college in Georgia. Also,students who choose distance learning still receive the same leadership education as students on campus. By combining education with leadership,students studying at UNG end up with a well-rounded education and leadership skills that may help advance career goals.

While many state universities and colleges have large classes,Clayton State University offers smaller classes for a more personalized education,all while remaining near the busy city of Atlanta. Thanks to their proximity to a large city,Clayton State gives students easy access to all the benefits that come with city life,including internship opportunities. Students that want a Clayton State education but don't want to commute to school can always earn their degree online, too. The online learning program at Clayton State is as convenient as any online college in Georgia with plenty of degrees and certificates available.

No matter which degree you study toward at Georgia College and State University, you'll end up with the same fundamentals: a strong,liberal arts education. This gives students a chance to learn beyond their desired field,and it helps them grow as individuals and leaders throughout their lives. While undergraduate degrees are all completed on campus,there are online graduate degrees offered that can be completed entirely online or through a hybrid setting. This allows students to complete some or all of their graduate studies off campus and at their own pace. Because of their commitment to a strong education,GCSU is considered one of the best online schools in Georgia offering master's degrees.

Community and personal improvement are core values at the University of West Georgia. One of the largest public universities in the state,UWG has just about everything there is to offer,including comprehensive academics. Students can work toward one of the 88 degrees offered by the university,and they can do so with traditional on-campus study or online studying. Their online school is also accredited,and allows students to study at their own pace. The core values of UWG combined with the flexibility of their online programs make the school an ideal place to earn an online degree in Georgia.

South Georgia-based Valdosta State University offers degree programs for undergraduates and graduates. Because of Valdosta State's close proximity to Florida,they offer in-state tuition to residents of Florida,as well as Tennessee,South Carolina and Alabama. This helps make the school an affordable option for students outside of Georgia,as well as those who live in state. One of the benefits of studying at Valdosta is their comprehensive online school. They offer many different degree programs that can be studied entirely online or through a hybrid of online and on-campus. Valdosta State offers more programs of study than most other online schools in Georgia,giving students the chance to study what they want,when they want.

Founded in 1828,Augusta University is one of the oldest schools in Georgia. Formerly Georgia Regents University,Augusta is recognized as a research school,but their health and medicine programs also should not be overlooked. These programs are offered in both undergraduate and graduate degrees,some of which can also be completed online. For example,the college of nursing offers a bachelor's,master's and PhD program,as well as multiple doctoral focuses,that can all be completed entirely online – one of the only online schools in Georgia that offers that convenience. Other programs offered by the school can also be completed entirely online,in person or through a hybrid of the two. For students that prefer to study on-campus,Augusta has three separate campuses,each within the Augusta,Georgia area.

The Protestant Christian background of Beulah Heights University has been one of the main driving forces that's led to recognition as a top Bible institute. With Christian values in mind,BHU has used their background to craft a thoughtful curriculum. For example,one large part of their curriculum is teaching students to become leaders in their communities and fields. Another important part of BHU is their distance learning program which gives students the chance to study toward a degree online. Being one of the only online schools in Georgia that offers religious courses online,BHU has established itself as a local leader for undergraduate and graduate degrees in religious areas.

Scholarships & Grants in Georgia

Pell Grants and attending junior or technical college represent two great ways to save on higher education. However, for those who may not qualify for a Pell Grant, and/or who have a bachelor’s degree as a stepping stone goal, other means of aid may be required. The state of Georgia has a number of scholarship and grant programs design specifically to help aspiring college students at all levels pay for their education:

1. HOPE Scholarship

The Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) Scholarship offers partial tuition for students enrolled in associate or bachelor’s degree programs at a qualifying public or private college in Georgia. Students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA, to start.

3. Zell Millar Scholarship

A merit-based scholarship for Georgia college students with a minimum 3.7 GPA and a minimum 1,200 math + reading score on the SAT (or a composite ACT score of 26). Students must hold a 3.3 GPA to keep their scholarship.

4. HOPE GED Grant

For students who earned a GED from the Georgia Technical College System and plan to further their education at the post-secondary level. Full-time enrollment is not required and students must use the grant within two years of GED completion.